Leven's set for a first return

Peter Leven is unsure what to expect as he returns to a former club for the first time today.

The midfielder captained Chesterfield in 2007-8, scoring five goals as they finished eighth in npower League Two.

Leven has fond memories of his 12 months with the Spireites, but will be doing everything he can to get one over his ex-employers with Oxford United this afternoon.

He said: “I’ve never been back to any old club I’ve played for, so I don’t know what to expect.

“I was only there for a season, but I really enjoyed it – I think Jack Lester is the only player still there.

“I did glance for it when the fixtures came out because this will be a new experience.”

Leven is still playing catch-up after missing the whole of pre-season and the first month of the season following surgery on shoulder and knee problems.

The 29-year-old does not know when he will be fully fit, but after starting the last five games believes he is making progress.

He said: “The last week is the best I’ve felt.

“You can never tell how far away you are from being 100 per cent, but I’m feeling good. “Last Saturday I put a slide tackle in which isn’t normally me, but I was getting in the box and having a few shots, so I’m getting fitter every week.”

U’s should have Alfie Potter available after he missed two games with a hamstring injury.

Top-scorer Tom Craddock has recovered from a knock to the ribs which forced him off in the goalless draw with Torquay a week ago, but Deane Smalley (hamstring) is not yet ready.

Chesterfield boss Paul Cook has yet to win a league game after taking over last month.

Cook came up against the U’s only last month when his Accrington Stanley side lost 5-0 at the Kassam Stadium.

The hosts’ main selection question mark is whether to keep faith with goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell or recall fit-again No 1 Tommy Lee.

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